PS 3515 
.E58 B3 
1911 
Copy 1 



J 




BACK TO OLD 
OHIO 

AND OTHER POEMS 




CAPTAIN W. F. HENRY 





Digitized by the Internet Archive 
in 2011 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/backtooldohioOOhenr 



BACE, T© OLD OHIO 

AND OTHER POEMS 



BY 



CAPT, WILBUR F. HENRY 



Copyright 1911, By Wilbur F, Henr~ 



JOURNAL. PRINT 
ST. JAMES, MISSOURI 

19 11 



.Es^ 5 



To the many friends who have encouraged me 
to gather the following poems, written in leisure 
moments and for divers occasions, and to have them 
printed for preservation, this little volume is res- 
pectfully dedicated by 

THK AUTHOR. 






©CI.AH05299 



BACK TO OLD OHIO 

[Some years ago one of the railroads used a chromo il- 
lustrative of Drake's poem, "The Heaven Born Banner," in 
advertising- for the National Encampment of the G. A. R,, 
held in Cincinnati that year. An Ohio soldier, who had just 
after the war taken his young wife and baby out west and 
made a home, saw the picture one evening in the country 
store and it set him thinking. One evening he called his old 
wife to a seat beside him under the apple tree in the door 
yard and told her his musings.] 

Come, wife, put by your work now and sit here by 
my side, 

I want to tell you what's been on my mind today; 
It's nearly thirty years since you became my bride 

And somehow my mind's been wanderin' far away. 

Ail day I've been a thiokin' as I plowed the rows of 
corn 
And my mind has been a dreamin' o'er the past. 
I thought of little Willie and the day that he was born 
And I wondered if it's true that time has flown so 
fast, 

I dreamed about the time we together went to school 
In the old red school house nestled in the grove, 

And I more than half suspect that I acted like a fool 
For I know that all the time I was in love. 
3 



I guess you know it too, eh! though I didn't dare to 
say 
What all the time I so much wanted you to know, 
But, you know just how it happened just before I 
marched away, 
Well — the dream does sort o' make me foolish 
grow. 

I thought of the time at Vicksburg when I got that 
piece of lead 
As we made that charge upon the lines of gray ; 
And the cruel blow that struck you when they report- 
ed me as dead, 
Well — never mind, don't cry, praise God I'm here 
today. 

And so I dreamed and dreamed as I followed plow 
and team, 
And a longing strong and tender filled my very 
heart 
To go back to old Ohio and view again the scene 
Where our lives so grew together that we couldn't 
live apart. 

You say you've had such dreams yourself as you sat 
and darned and knit, 
And kept your musings from me and hid 'em in 
your heart 
For fear I'd think 'em foolish and themes for jest and 
wit. 
And hurt your feelings by remarks that I might 
think were smart? 

4 



No, wife, I couldn't do that, since those dreams have 
come to me, 
For my heart is full of solemn tenderness tonight 
As we sit here 'neath the blossoms of this fragrant 
apple tree 
And watch the western sunset's fading, golden 
light. 

Wife, I saw a picture up in Bostwick's store last night 
That somehow I can't banish from my mind. 

The coming sun was streaking the clouds with rosy 
light, 
Just like the stripes we in Old Glory find. 

And then, up in the corner the clouds had broke away 
And a bunch of thirteen stars were shining through ; 

It kind o* seemed to me that just at break of day 
The heavens was a showin' us our loved led, 
white and blue. 

That pictuie sort o' fastened itself upon my brain 

As never bit of chromo done afore, 
And as I lay awake last night a listening to the rain, 

I kept a thinkin' ol that picture in the store. 

There was printing on the card around the picture too 

That set my mind a musing for awhile; 
'Twas about a mighty gathering of the veteran boys 
in blue, 
And the railroads had made a rate of only a cent 
a mile. 

5 



The route would take us back almost to our old home 
And I'd meet a lot of comrades on the way; 

It kind o' seems to me they're beckoning me to come 
And greet the boys who stood with me amid the 
battle fray. 

And so that picture set me a dreamin' as I've said, 
And the printing on the card kept a coming up to 
view, 
And visions of the old home kept a running through 
my head 
And I've got a mighty longing to go back this fall 
with you. 

It's many years ago since we landed here one day, 
Just you and I and Willie, a little baby then, 

I think it was in '70 and on the first of May, 

And Willie now, and John and Joe born here, are 
all grown men. 

It's been hard work for you and me, for all these 
many years, 
Discouragements have come at times too hard for 
you to bear, 
And many a time my brave young wife poured out 
her heart in tears, 
But ever to me wore a smiling face and neyer a 
face of care. 

6 



We've never had a vacation, wife, since we started 
to make a home, 
We never thought we could leave the farm for 
more'n a day or so; 
And year by year we've sowed and reaped and plow- 
ed and planted and sown, 
But, the boys and girls can care for things now, 
let's pack our grips and go. 

*****&&* 

"IF I SHOULD LOSE HIS LOVE" 

aura* 

If she should lose his love, 

Ah me! how sad. 
But there are other loves 

Which may be had 
If she should lose his love, 
But just you bet she would not fret, 
But would make haste no time to waste 

Another one to get. 
For life is stale and flat, and worse than that 
Without a beau, this all do know. 
If she should lose his loye, 
I make no doubt she'd hustle out 

And soon be ready — 
Hearts seldom break, she soon would take 

Another steady. 

"Jerry," in Kansas City World. 
7 



TO "JERRY" 

What do you know of love 

My poet friend, 
That you should think that love 

So soon may end? 
What do you know of love? 
Not much I'm sure of love that's pure — 
A love that fills the soul and thrills 

And will endure. 
The love you write about 

M5 7 poet "Jerry" 
Is not the love that's born above, 

But spurious, very. 
With you 'twould seem that love's a dream 
That flies away at dawn of day 
When comes the strife of real life. 
If you but knew how strong and true 

Is woman's love, 
You would not write in strain so light, 
Nor think that she would happy be 

If she should lose his love. 



WONDROUS GRACE-Ps. VIII 

What is man that Thou art mindful 

Of a being small as he, 
Or his son that Thou shouldst visit 

Him and hear his cry to thee. 
That with glory Thou shouldst crown him, 

Honor upon him bestow ; 
O! how excellent Thy name is, 

Let all praise Thee here below. 

Unto Thee my Lord and Master, 

What have I that I can bring, 
But my true and whole heart service, 

And thy praises ever sing. 
Fill my soul with Thy blest spirit, 

And my heart knit unto Thee, 
Let me walk with Thee my Savior, 

In thy gracious bondage, free, 

Bound to Thee by loving fetters, 

I would serve Thee day by day 
In the sunshine of thy favor, 

Bright and blessed is the way. 
O! it fills my soul with wonder, 

And my heart with glad surprise 
That the Lord should let me with Him 

Help my fallen brother rise. 
9 



Working with the great Creator ! 

Leading souls to His dear son ! 
'Tis a wonder most amazing 

That so great a thing be done. 
But the glorious Lord hath spoken 

And the blessing is for all — 
All who spread the glorious gospel, 

All who heed the gracious call. 

UNCOVER THE GOOD 

Seek not in the life of thy neighbor 
For faults that he fain would conceal, 

'Twill be for thee far sweeter labor 
The noble in him to reveal. 

'Tis true that the life of each moital 
Is checkered with evil and good, 

'Twere well could we keep closed the portal 
From whence flows the ill like a flood. 

Then let us seek out and uncover 
The good that in each heart abides, 

Throw the mantle of charity over 
The evil that every life hides. 

The checkers of good let us brighten 
With a smile and a word of good will, 

That the shadows on life we may lighten, 
And hid be the checkers of ill. 
10 



THE CLOSING YEAR 



There's a pleasurable sadness 

Fills the heart, 
And a melancholy gladness 

Makes us start, 
When we think of Auld Lang Syne 
And how swiftly speeds the time 
And that from old '99 

We must part. 

Days of mingled pain and pleasure 

Rushing by 
Brought us sometimes sorrows' measure 

And a sigh, 
But, as sunshine follows rain 
So will pleasure follow pain 
And the way grow bright again, 

By and by. 

Friendship's golden chain was strength- 
ened 

The past year; 
And the cords of love were lengthened 

Bringing cheer. 
Friendships formed in '99 
Growing better — like old wine — 
May continue for all time 

Ever dear. 

In the year now old and hoary— 
Almost gone — 

11 



Higher place for Nation's gloi 

Has been won ; 
Many wrongs have been made right 
Hope, dispelling shades of night 
Made the path of many blight 

As the sun. 

True, ^re hear the musket's rattle 

'Cress the seas, 
And the awful sounds of battle 

On the breeze : 
Bui winded men will find 
That our Nation will be kind 
And that freedom lies behind 

Its aerrees. 

For the hearts made dark with some w 

The past year, 
Hopeless of a bright tomorrow. 

Drop a tear : 
But 'twere better could we bring 
Unto such some offering 
That would make the sad heart sing 

A song of cheer. 

So a pleasant kind of sadness 

I-' ills the hear: 
And a melancholy badness 

Makes us star: 
When we think of Auld Latig Syne 
And how rapid speeds the time 
And that from old '99 

We must part. 
Dec. 1 

u 



HE LEADS AND GUARDS THE WAY 

How sweet when shadows on my pathway fall, 
To know that He will hear and heed my call 
And lead the way so that I may not fall. 

On all life's journey could I walk by sight 
And all my way be in the sunshine bright, 
I might forget to praise Him for the light. 

I might forget that He is by my side 
And whatsoever, weal or woe, betide, 
I might forget to take Him for my guide. 

So, if my way lie in the shade or shine, 
Lord, I would ever clasp Thy hand in mine 
And always humbly yield my will to thine. 

I cannot think that He who rules above, 

Who is the fountain of unselfish love 

Will for this humble prayer his child reprove. 

And so I pray that He will ever lead 

The way of those I love through verdant mead, 

By cooling streams, supplying every need. 

That flowers and sunshine all their way may cheer 
His loving presence knowing ever near, 
And naught arise to make them shrink or fear. 

13 



Yet should the storms across their pathway sweep, 
The way be dim, through waters dark and deep, 
He knoweth best and He will safely keep. 

And so I fully trust myself and those 

I love, to Him who ever knows 

The best, and guards the way His humblest goes. 



$t*K*tt*K* 



A WEDDING SENTIMENT 

How tender is the memory 
Of love's first thrilling voice, 

When heart speaks back to heart again 
And makes the soul rejoice. 

And as the years shall come and go, 

May love still light the way 
And may love's light grow brighter still 

Unto the perfect day. 

May sunshine brighten all your way, 
Your hearts e'er beat as one; 

Each coming year more happy be 
'Till all your years are done. 

14 



THE CHURCH WHERE MOTHER 
USED TO SING. 



As I sat by the glowing embers 

In my quiet chamber last night, 
Again I liyed over in memory 

As I sat by the dim fire-light. 
The days of early boyhood, 

When my life was happy and free 
In that dear old New England village— 

That village by the sea. 

I heard again in my fancy 

The solemn and rythmical roar, 
The pulsating moan of old ocean 

As it beat on the rocky shore, 
I rambled again through the village. 

And I heard the old church bells ring, 
And I sat once again with my mother 

In the church where she used to sing. 

The solemn tones of the organ 

Again brought a holy calm 
That fell like a benediction, 

That soothed like an infinite balm. 
I seemed through the open casement 

To catch the odors of spring, 
But naught was so sacred in memory, 

As hearing my mother sing. 
15 



As I sat in the flickering shadows 

And dreamed of those long ago days, 
I stood once again with my mother 

As she joined in the hymns of praise. 
And there came to my heart a sweet solace — 

A solace that nothing can bring 
To m5 T soul like the memory of mother 

In the church where she used to sing. 

I have listened to grand old anthems 

By choruses, cultured and trained, 
Heard Xordica, Patti and Xilsson. 

When plaudits of thousands they gained. 
Heard Te Deum sung in the cathedral 

'Till the vaulted arches would ring; 
None charmed like the songs that my mother 

In that old church used to sing. 

The old church is now only a memory, 

From its spire the bell rings no more. 
All is changed excepting old ocean 

With its solemn and rythmical roar. 
The old house is gone, but it's memory 

To my heart ever fondly will cling, 
And bring back the sweet voice of my mother 

And the songs that she there used to sing. 

As the fire grew dim on the hearthstone, 

And I dreamed o'ei the days that are gone, 
The voice of mother seemed watted 

To me from her heavenl}* home. 
I seemed to hear angelic voices 

Singing the songs of the blest, 
To my soul the dear voice of my mother 

Was sweeter than all of the rest. 

16 



MY OWN DEAR LAND 



America, I love thee, 
Thy stripes and stars above me 
Shall lead where duty calls me, 
Fearless whate'er befalls me, 
America, my own dear land. 

Exalted is thy station, 
The peer of any nation. 
No foe shall ever rend thee, 
Thy sons will e'er defend thee, 
America, my own dear land. 

Should threat of war alarm thee, 
Or nation try to harm thee, 
Thy sons from hill and valley 
To thy defense will rally, 

America, my own dear land. 

Th' oppressed from every nation 
May here find safe location, 
And under freedom's banner 
Shall sing a glad hosannah, 

America, my own dear land. 

O! Nation firm united, 
Thy sons of honor plighted, 
Live on through all the ages 
Beloved by all the sages, 

America, my own dear land. 
17 



WHEN THE BOYS CAME HOME 
IN 1865 



Joy and gladness filled the air 
When the boys came home. 

Flags were flying ever5 T where 
When the boys came home. 

Parted ones again were meeting, 

Giving each a loving greeting, 

Grateful hearts with joy were beating 
When the boys came home. 

Yet amid the joy and gladness 

When the boys came home, 
Many hearts were full of sadness 

When the boys came home. 
Sadness caused by vacant places, 
Sadness caused by absent faces, 
Gone, whence never step retraces 

When the boys came home. 

Sons were sought in vain by mothers 

When the boys came home. 
Sisters looked in vain for brothers 

When the boys came home. 
Where the southern vines were creeping, 
Southern breezes o'er them sweeping, 
Many loved ones there were sleeping 

When the boys came home. 
18 



For the absent, tears were falling 
When the boys came home. 

Lips were dumb but hearts were calling 
When the boys came home. 

Calling with a mighty yearning 

For a form no more returning, 

Sorrows deepest lesson learning 
When the boys came home. 

A GREETING SONG 



We come with kindly greeting, 
For comrades with us meeting ; 
Let all our actions be 
Ruled by Fraternity, 
And all to all be true. 
Our hearts with love o'er flowing, 
With joy and pleasure glowing, 
Gladly we grasp each hand 
Here in this patriot band — 
Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! 

Comrades, stand firm together 
In fair and stormy weather, 
Touch elbows as we go, 
Ready for any foe, 
Comrades, be true, be true; 
Let friendship's fires burn blighter 
And heayy hearts grow lighter. 
Here dwell sweet Charity, 
Firm be our Loyalty — 

Hurrah ! hurrah ! hurrah ! 

19 



THE CLOSING YEAR 

[Written for the Western Veterans, Dec. 1896] 



Mingled sense of joy and sadness 
Crowd the chambers of the soul, 

As I read by memory's lamplight, 
The past year's historic scroll. 

As my memory wanders backward 
O'er the year that's past and gone, 

I recall the many comrades 
Who have fallen one by one. 

Comrades, who 'mid fires of battle, 
In youth's bloom heroic stood, 

Stood for country and for comrades, 
Fighting for the true and good ; 

Fighting for the preservation 
Of our country, pure and free; 

Of Old Glory — starry banner, 
Emblem of sweet liberty. 

So my heart is filled with sadness 
And a feeling 'kin to pain 

Comes upon me with the knowledge, 
We shall meet them not again. 

As I muse upon the old year, 
Mem'ry wanders further back, 

And I see a host of comrades 

Struggling o'er life's rugged track 

20 



Fighting life's unequal battle, 
As in days of Auld Lang Syne 

Each fought in the human bulwark, 
Forming country's battle line. 

In those days were ties fraternal, 
Such as only comrades know, 

Welded in the war's red furnace, 
That with time shall stronger grow. 

Men who once, with step elastic, 
Proudly marched to drum and fife, 

Now with pain, keep up the struggle 
Onward in the march of life. 

And not always has been meted 
To the men who wore the blue, 

That just recompense and tribute 
Which from country is their due. 

But the old year now just closing, 

Has been fraught with hope and cheer, 

For the trumpet has been sounded, 
Relegating to the rear 

Men who, while professing friendship, 

Most unfriendly acts did do, 
Sending oft despair and sorrow 

To the maimed who wore the blue. 

And the new year now before us, 
Will the foe replace with friend, 

And, I trust, the path be smoother, 
As we near our journey's end. 
21 



While our ranks are growing thinner, 
Comrades falling, one by one, 

Let us closer stand together, 
'Till we see life's setting sun. 

vStand together, touching elbows 
As we stood in days of yore, 

When we braved the hail of battle — 
Heard the cannon's awful roar. 

Let us keep the fires fraternal, 
Burning brightly in each breast, 

'Till for us the taps are sounded 
And we take our final rest. 

Comrades, we have glorious mem'ries 

By no others understood, 
Mem'ries of a mighty struggle, 

A nation saved bj' loyal blood. 

Keep those memories ever sacred 
In the heart, as days go by, 

Let them be as rays of sunshine 
When the shadows heavy lie. 

When our last discharge is given, 
And our service here is o'er, 

May we be prepared for muster, 
Over on the other shore. 

To my comrades, this, my greeting, 
For the coming glad New Year, 

May each day bring each a blessing — 
Hope is strong — withal good cheer. 

22 



MEMORIAL DAY 



Where ocean surges cast their spray, 
Where inland rivers wind their way 

To mingle with the sea ; 
Where blossoms deck the southern vine, 
And where the winds through northern pine 

Make mournful melody ; 

In hamlet on the mountain side, 
In city where the human tide 

Sweeps ever restless by, 
A nation gathers on this day, 
Her grateful homage now to pay, 

Where'er her heroes He. 

When memory links us to the past 
And we recall the war's fierce blast 

That o'er our country swept; 
How fierce and awful was the strife 
That threatened then our Nation's life, 

And how our Nation wept. 

Our heads will bow and tears will fall, 
For those who gave their lives and all 

To make our country free ; 
And'tender recollections fill 
Our hearts, and all our pulses thrill 

With saddened memory. 
23 



Yet, when we think of what they wrought, 
The priceless heritage they bought 

And for us made secure, 
Our hearts are glad — we anthems sing, 
We, to the breeze our banners fling 

And scatter blossoms pure. 

Then let the fragrance of our love 
Be mingled with the flowers above 

Each soldier's lowly bed; 
And let grateful people bring 
Each year the choicest flowers of spring, 

A tribute to our dead. 

Let bosoms glow with patriot fires, 
When youth remembers honored sires, 

As future years go by ; 
Let royalty to flag and land 
Bind all together as one band 

For country, live or die. 

While we each year with reverent tread 
Surround the chambers of our dead 

And strew their mounds with flowers, 
Let kindly act and loving word 
For those who linger yet, be heard 

To cheer their lonely hours. 

Honor the dead who wore the blue, 
Honor the living heroes, too, 

For honor is their due ; 
Fraternity should ever glow, 
And charity forever flow 

From loyal hearts and true, 

24 



THE UNKNOWN DEAD 



Do you ask me why we are here today? 
Why we scatter the flowers of spring? 
Why, with the roses and blossoms of May, 
Praise for the Unknown Dead we bring? 

In the long ago days when the storm of war 
Swept over our land with poisonous breath 
Bringing to hearthstones black despair, 
Reaping a harvest of pain and death. 

The loyal sons of the Nation then 
Followed Old Glory where e'er it led, 
Sprang to the rescue of country when 
Rebellion lifted its traitorous head. 

In their life's young manhood forth they went, 
Answering duty and country's call, 
Knowing full well what duty meant, 
Offering country their lives and all. 

Out from their homes where love was queen, 
Leaving behind those dearer than life ; 
Braving the dangers seen and unseen, 
Bearing their part in the deadly strife. 

Leaving behind hearts breaking with grief- 
Sorrowing loved ones who never again 
Would meet those dear ones and find relief 
From the awful burden of heart-breaking pain. 

25 



They fell in the battle, on hillside, in dell, 
The place where they sleep is forever unknown, 
Their life's blood ran out and they rest where they 

fell, 
Their heroic deeds we ever will own. 

They gave their young lives that the nation might live, 
They bared their breasts to the shot and shell ; 
To country they gave all they had to give, 
In unknown graves they rest where they fell. 

Their names are enrolled with heroes who fought, 
And laid down their lives that the Nation might 

stand ; 
On history's page we may learn what they wrought 
When the whirlwind of war swept over the land. 

The winds sing a dirge through the cypress and vine 
O'er the graves of dead heroes who fell in the fray, 
They gave up their lives for your cause and mine, 
In honor to them we strew flowers today. 

Their names are unsung by poet or sage, 

No monuments mark the lone graves where they lie, 

But their deeds are recorded on history's page 

And the banner they fought for still floats in the sky. 

And so, we have gathered the flowers of spring, 
And strew them in honor of the unknown dead, 
And with them the perfume of gratitude bring, 
For freedom now lives by the blood that they shed. 

26 



TO THEE HALLELUJAHS BELONG 



I have a new song in my heart, 

I pray it may never depart ; 

It sings all the day and brightens the way, 

When close to my Savior I stay. 

Refrain— 

Then, Lord, I will give Thee the praise, 
For blessing me all of my days ; 
And all the day long, I'll sing the new song, 
To Thee hallelujahs belong. 

O Lord, I would in Thee abide, 

And ever keep close to Thy side ; 

Be guided by Thee, from temptations flee, 

And ever, dear Lord, walk with Thee. 

Dear Savior, I know Thou art mine, 
For I read in the blest word of Thine, 
That all who believe, Thou'lt surely receive 
And their burdens of sin will relieve. 

Blest Spirit divine, I would be 
Entirely guided by Thee; 
Let Thine be my will, my heart ever fill, 
And may I Thy purpose fulfill. 

The Comforter promised by Thee, 

Dear Savior, I know is for me; 

And that He will abide, my steps He will guide, 

If I will keep close to Thy side. 

27 



To The Members of Farragut-Thomas 
Post, No. 8. 



We gather tonight in the circle fraternal, 
We mingle our voices in storj T and song, 

We pledge to each other in love that's eternal, 
The hope that each life may be happy and long. 

We know that around us true comrades are falling 
That never again will meet with us here. 

From out of the past voices seem to be calling — 
Voices of comrades to memory dear. 

Oft in the night when I waken from slumber. 

In memory the scenes of the past come to view, 
The faces of comrades who times without number 

Have proved to us all that to all they were true. 

In memory again I look into the faces 

Of Case, Cloud and Howard, Brooks, Guffin and 
Gunn, 
McWain, Clark and Whitehead, comrades whose 
places 
Are evermore vacant — tbeir life's work all done. 

And many more comrades whose lives have made 
pleasant, 
And cheerful the lives of all whom they knew. 
Tho' gone, yet in memory they oft will be present 
When comrades shall meet in fraternity true. 
2S 



'Twas long years ago when the sounds of the battle 
Assaulted our ears and called us to arms ; 

When the smoke of the conflict and musketry's rattle 
Enshrouded our homes with war's dread alarms. 

For four years of war we followed together 

The flag of our county — the red, white and blue; 

We marched and we fought in all kinds of weather, 
To country and comrades we ever were true. 

The comradeship formed in those hours of danger 
Has strengthened with time and tenderer grown ; 

It never can be understood by a stranger, 
To only a comrade can it ever be known. 

Comrades, we're all of us nearing the river; 

At times can't you hear the plash of the oar? 
May we meet with a smile the Author and Giver 

Of life, when we land on the thitherward shore. 

May we there grasp the hands of those gone before 
us, 

And mingle our songs with the songs of the blest; 
May the smile of God's love forever brood o'er us 

And make for us all a haven of rest. 

And so as we're here in this circle fraternal, 
My heart is made tender as I think of the past; 

I'm glad that I'm bound by a bond that's eternal 
To those whose comradeship time will out last. 
29 



The memory of those whose labors are over, 
I ever will cherish while life shall remain. 

To those who are with us I'd be as a lover, 
And hope I may often meet with them again. 

Kansas City, Mo., 
Nov. 10, 1910. 

******** 
To My Friend and Comradk — Col. W. C. Howe. 



With carbine and saber you rode with the men, 

Who carried Old Glory to victory and then — 

When the war cloud had lifted and our flag floated 

free 
Over all of our country from sea unto sea, 
You joined with your comrades in hearty good cheer 
In making this nation of all nations the peer, 
And won for yourself by honorable strife 
A place 'mongst the noblest in the battle of life. 
And now in the autumn of life may you find 
The Lord of all Glory to you will be kind, 
Surrounding you always with friends and good cheer, 
Making merry as Christmas and glad as New Year, 
Each day of your journey along the highway 
That leads to the Camp -ground where shines endless 

day. 

Christmas 1909 

30 



TO THE SURVIVORS OF THE 108th 
ILLINOIS INFANTRY 

In Reunion, 1898 



Comrades of the march and campfire 

Of those days of long ago, 
When 'mid battle's smoke and carnage 

We together met the foe, 
How my pulses thrill and tingle 

As I once more clasp the hand 
And again look in the faces 

Of the remnant of that band — 
Who with me 'mid dangers many 

In youth's bloom heroic stood, 
Stood for country and for homeland 

Offering e'en our own life's blood. 
How the golden chain of memory 

Links our lives unto the past, 
And we see again our country 

Trembling in the war's fierce blast. 
Once again the drums are beating, 

Again is heard the screaming fife 
Calling on the sons of freedom 

To defend the nation's life. 
Up from farm, from shop and schoolroom, 

Up from office, desk and store, 
From the home where plenty dwelleth, 

From the humble cottage door. 
From all classes came the brave boys 

31 



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Brothers, sisters, sweethearts, lovers, 

On that 6th October day * 
Gave each other tender parting 

As we proudly marched away. 
Drums are beating, flags are flying 

As we march Peoria's street, 
Following our own loyed Warner 

Whom today we gladly greet ; 
Then away across the prairies 

Where'er duty should us call, 
On the altar of our country 

Sacrificing life and all, 
Oh, the days of weary marching, 

Oh, the days of battle's storm, 
Oh, the dread disease and sickness 

E'er the coming of the morn — 
Morn of victory, joy and gladness 

When the war cloud passed away, 
When dissolved the smoke of battle 

And gentle peace again had sway. 
So, in panoramic vision 

Come the scenes of long ago, 
When fraternal fires were kindled 

That still burn with brighter glow. 
So, we meet in glad re-union, 

Remnant of that noble band, 
And our life-blood courses swifter 

As we grasp each by the hand. 
True it is that tinge of sadness 

To our hearts will ever come 

*The regiment left Camp Peoria Oct. 6, 1862. 
33 



When we think of noble comrades 

Who have fallen nne by one. 
Turner, Lackland, Clark and Foster, 

Men we loved as leaders true, 
And the noble hearted Summers, 

Whom the rnurdeious foernen slew. 
But the roll of those who've fallen 

Is too large for record here, 
And that roll is growing larger, 

As we meet from year to yeai. 
From our ranks the Great Commander 

Calls us, comrades, one by one — 
Let us close upon the colors 

"Till life's battle shall be done. 
Let our hopes be strong for future, 

Keep the fires of friendship bright. 
Touching elbows in life's battle. 

Helping each to win the fight. 
Hope and memory twain most blessed 

Gilding future and the past — 
Memories by our lives made sacred 

Keep hope bright while life shall last. 
Whether on life's highway marching 

Or within the camp we rest. 
Ma^' our hopes end in fruition 

And our last days be our best. 



34 



A RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT 



We meet once more to grasp each by the hand, 

Once more recall the scenes of long ago; 

A remnant of that patriotic band 

Who stood together 'gainst our country's foe. 

The span that reaches back to that October Day 
Is long, in truth, and yet how short it seems — 
A generation's life has passed away — 
(Almost it seems like what we see in dreams) 
Since under freedom's flag we marched away, 
With bouyant step and with determination strong. 
That freedom's ensign in the sky should stay, 
And by our deeds our Nation's life prolong. 

No word of 'plaint was heard from any lip 
Because the canned beef furnished us (?) was bad, 
Nor that the sleeping cars (?) for our first trip 
Were not the best from Pullman to be had. 
With patriotic purpose forth we went 
Our struggling country's life to help to save. 
With what our country gave we were content, 
Believing that the best she could she gave. 

We're proud that by our sacrifice and blood, 
The Nation strong and firm to-day endures. 
The valor of our sons on field and flood 
The future of our Nation's life insures. 
As once more here we in reunion meet, 

35 



Our hearts are filled with patriotic pride. 
And comrades here more joyously we greet 
For nothing can our country now divide. 

The old nag. that for three long years of war 
We followed ever where it led the way 
And saved without the loss of single star, 
Unhinderei h:ats o'er all the land to-day. 
The same old fag by valor o: our sons. 
And sons of these who erstwhile wore the gray, 
Has planted hope in breasts of hopeless ones, 
Illumined hearts that long in darkness lay. 

It fioats todav o'er islands of the seas: 
And everywhere it diats ah will be well. 
Its glorious folds are kissed by every breeze : 
Beneath its shade oppression cannot dwell. 
So. comrade-, let us keep the campnres bright 
With patriotic and iraternal glow: 
Each other aid. as we life's battle- fight. 
In memorv of the days of long ago. 

The step tha c once wa- bu -| va*~*~. firm and iree 

Now. oft is trembling and is made with pain : 

A kindly act or word from you or me 

May make for such life's path a bit more plain. 

So let us meet together year by year. 

The while forget life's struggles, cares and pain. 

And when we've held our last reunion here, 

In Paradise may we all meet again, 

36 



TO THE 20th KANSAS 



Here's to the twentieth Kansas 

The pride of our great commonwealth, 

And here's to the twentieth Kansas 
We quaff unto each one a health. 

We welcome them home with gladness 
And the boom of all of our guns, 

The world is sounding their praises. 
We are proud of our gallant sons. 

They have planted the banner of freedom 

On islands in far away seas 
To float in perpetual sunshine, 

To be kissed by every breeze. 

By valor of theirs it was planted 
To wave o'er those islands alway; 

They hung it aloft there in honor, 
In honor aloft there 'twill stay. 

They have honored their State and the Nation, 
They have won from the world a high name, 

Boldly and high have they written 
Their names in the temple of fame. 

Then fling out the ensign of freedom, 

And all a glad jubilee sing, 
L,et the people all shout a glad welcome 

And all the bells joyfully ring. 

L,et cannon and cymbal and music 
All join in making glad noise, 

37 



To welcome back home to their loved ones 
The brave gallant twentieth boys. 

Then here's to the twentieth Kansas 
The pride of our great commonwealth, 

And here's to the twentieth Kansas 
We quaff unto each one a health. 



WHY NOT? 



Why not look into the future 

With a happy hopeful mind? 
With the pleasing expectation 

That within it j-ou will find 
More of sunshine than of shadow 

More of pleasure than of ill, 
Much to satisfy thy longings 

And thy better being fill? 
Why not? 

OUR FLAG 



'Tis the flag that led to glory, 
'Tis the flag of wondrous story, 
Over fields blood red and gory 
It has waved in victory. 

It was hallowed by our fathers, 
It was followed by our brothers 
And held sacred by our mothers, 
'Tis preserved for you and me. 

3S 



IT SEEMS STRANGE 



It strikes me as peculiar 
And yet it may be right 
That the nation now should honor 

The men she had to fight 
To keep 'em true and loyal 
And wouldn't let 'em go 
And start another nation, 

Though they fought her like a foe. 

It seems a little cur'ous 

To a plain old fashioned man, 

That one who fights for country 

And does the best he can 
To keep her flag a fly in' 
And her institutions bright, 
Should see his country's laurels 

Wreathin' them he had to fight. 

I wonder if we'll have ter 

Stop a readin' out aloud 

The thrillin' w T ords of Lincoln 

Of whom we've been so proud — 
You know he called 'em "rebels'' 
But now that word won't do, 
For it might hurt the feelin's 

Of loyal men and true. 

39 



The day we claim for memory 
And strewin' spring -time flowers 
O'er those who fought 'for country, 

Is no longer to be ours 
But those who fought 'gainst country, 
With yaliant heart and strong 
Must have an equal tribute 

Of roses, speech and song. 

And then they say that congress — 
At least that's what I've heard — 
Must put them rebel fellows, 

(Beg pardon for the word,) 
Upon the roll of pensions, 
The same as those who formed 
Their country's line of battle 

When their country's life was stormed. 

It may be I am foolish 

But then it really seems 

To be so queer and strange like — 

Like what we see in dreams — 
That those we once called rebels, 
And we fought so hard for years 
To keep 'em in the Union 

Should now get all the cheers. 



40 



TO OUR HOST— MAJOR GUNN 



When the Autumn leaves were falling 

In the vale of Montague, 
And the frosts had gaily painted 

Tree and shrub with many a hue, 
And the wood fires on the hearthstones 

Cast their cheery, ruddy glow, 
Making bright fantastic pictures 

When the Autumn sun was low. 
In the days of home-made sausage 

And New England pumpkin pies, 
(Nowhere else than in New England 

E'er were made such pumpkin pies) 
In that old New England hamlet, 

Honored by name of Montague, 
In the commonwealth where Warren 

Shed his blood as patriot true, 
In the days when apple juices 

Nectar -like from presses run, 
Then and there were all the troubles 

Of our host, Otis, begun. 
Three score years and yet ten others 

Into the past have hurried by, 
Years of struggle, years of pleasure, 

Historic years in memory lie. 
Years'when country called to battle 

Every true and loyal son, 
High upon her roll of honor 

Is the name— Otis B. Gunn, 

41 



Long the span that reaches backward 

To that year of '28, 
To that month of brown October 

When he started to be great; 
Proud the record he has written 

As he climbed the hill of life, 
Writ his name on many pages 

In the world's progressive strife. 
Always true to every duty, 

And to friendships ever true, 
May true friendship ever brighten, 

All his way life's journey through, 
Then to our honored friend and comrade, 

Pledge we here long life and health 
And bright hopes and happy future 

And of fraternal love a wealth. 

ssssssss 

LINES. — Read on the 25th anniversary of the mar 
riage of a comrade. 



A silver anniversary 

We celebrate tonight, 
Let all be joy and happiness, 

Our hearts full of delight. 

Five and twenty years ago 

Two lives as one became, 
Whose future journey on life's way 

Should glow with love's bright flame. 

42 



How tender is the memon^ 
Of love's first thrilling voice, 

When heart speaks back to heart again 
And makes the soul rejoice. 

Five and twenty years have gone 
And love still lights the way, 

And may love's light grow brighter still 
Unto the perfect day. 

Unto our hosts good cheer we bring, 

And hopes for happy days ; 
May they God's smile at all times know, 

His hand guide all their ways. 

And may the "silver" of the now 
Be lengthened to the "gold," 

Each coming year more happy be 
'Till all their years are told. 

TO COL. L. W. T.— Jan. 1, 1908 



I thank you for your words of cheer 
And wishes for the smiles of heaven, 

I wish for you the coming year 

All you wished me, may you be given. 

The memories of Auld Lang Syne 
Are those I highly prize and cherish, 

Old friends are very much like old wine, 
True friendships love will never perish. 

43 



LINES. — Read in 1903 on the 40th anniversary of 
the marriage of a comrade. 



Forty years have passed away 
Since that bright and happy czy. 

When upon a lovelit way 

Two lives as one began to stray. 

Wonderful those fortv years, 

Fraught with many hopes and fears, 
Aye. and many bitter tears 

E'er our lips could sound the cheer: 

When these lives were joined as one, 
Smoke of battle hid the sun, 

Clash of saber, roar of gun — 
Blood of patriot flowed and run. 

You. my comrade, heard the call, 

Sacrificing life and all. 
Heeding not the war's black pall, 

Forth you went to stand or fall. 

She wrhc -tanas with you tonight 
Suffered with you in the fight, 

Praying oft the livelong night 
For your safety and the tight. 

Suffered more than tongue can tell 
When she read of how they fell 

44 



Round you, when the storm of shell 
Swept across the field and dell. 

Love of country, love of home, 
Love that made your lives as one, 

Bouyed your hopes till duty done 
You returned with victory won. 

******** 
AN ACROSTIC. 



Clean and pure in life and thought 

Only those who know you well 

May understand what you have wrought, 

Really know and truly tell 

All the cheer that you have brought, 

Doing much to make life bright, 

Ever seeking for the right. 

When we think of all the cheer 

On our meetings you have shed, 

Round our campfires ever dear 

Many poems you have read — 

Smiles and laughter, virgin wit, — 

Think of all that you have done, 

Ever true and ever fit, 

All your comrades say as one, 

Dear Comrade Wormstead, "You are it." 

45 



MY WIFE DELLA 

AN ACROSTIC 



Deep within the heart's recesses. 

Always telling me of love, 

Round my life her presence blesses, 

Loving gentle as a dove. 

In my pathways strewing pleasures, 

Never thorns along the way 

Garlanding from nature's treasure 

Drops of fragrance. And the day 
Ever by her presence brighter, 
Loving, gentle as the dew 
Love that makes life's burden lightner 
Always loving, ever true. 

sssssssa 

SOME NEW YEAR GREETINGS 



JANUARY 1, 1S95 
Good-bye old "94, good-bye, 

With all thy joys and tears 
The record of thv work is done 

With all its hopes and fears. 

Young '95 we greet thee now 
With gladsome song and shout 

46 



Joy bells proclaim thy coming in 
As '94 goes out. 

And as the days of '95 
Shall swiftly glide away, 

Some deed of kindness may we do, 
Some good record each day. 

So that when all its days are past, 

And '95 is gone, 
We may with pride the record read 

Of good deeds writ thereon. 



January 1, 1896 
It seems to me but yesterday 

We hailed the glad New Year ; 
That year is old and lifeless now 

And we stand beside his bier. 

By mem'ry's golden chain, once more 
We live that old year through, 

And many a sigh our breast will heave 
For what we failed to do. 

Let not the failures of the past 

Make us give up the fight, 
But warnings let them be to us 

To guide us in the right. 

We have no time to pause and weep 
O'er the year forever gone; 

47 



We'll join the joyous shout— All hail! 
To the infant Year new born. 

And as we hail the glad New Year 

May Joy fill every breast 
And Hope in all our lives abide 

And all the year be blest 

And may the Xew Year happy be 
'Till Xew Year shall be old, 

And happy be each next Xew Year 
'Till all thy years are told. 



January 1. 1S97 

The clock in the tower tolls the midnight hour 

That closes the day and the year; 
And all, oh so fast! has the year that is past 

Whirled by with its pain and good cheer. 

We fain would forget the sorrow and fret 

Which old '96 to us brought. 
And let memory rest on only the best 

With which the past year has been fraught. 

All shadows will brighten and by contrast will 
heighten 

The beauties and pleasures to come, 
And there is no sorrow but that on the morrow 

God's sunshine will scatter its gloom. 

4S 



Now, may the New Year bring only good cheer 
To all who this greeting may read, 

And the year '97 bring all nearer Heaven 
And be a Happy New Year indeed. 



January 1, 1898 

With all of it pleasures and all of its cares, 
With all of its gaiety, all of its prayers, 
With all of its sorrow and all of its cheer, 
The year '97 is now the old year. 

We gather round in the midst of the night, 
And solemnly watch as his spirit takes flight, 
We sigh for the failures his records reveal, 
As on the ear falls the bell's measured peal. 

While floats on the air the sad sound of the knell, 
All merry and clear rings out the Joy bell 
Proclaiming the birth of tbe year '98, 
And we shout his welcome with hearts all elate. 

So close doth the past and the present combine, 
That only the moment now present is thine; 
We weep o'er the Old year and laugh o'er the New, 
In mem'ry and service to each would be true. 

So, moment by moment as flies the new year, 
May each moment to thee bring only good cheer, 
And the year '98 be to each friend of mine 
A Happy New Year each moment of time. 

49 



Jaxtary 1. 1899 

We ever stand upon the narrow line. 

~'i::'i stiz:- the 7.1st ::: the future t: i: 
Sileut 111 shrift the ceaseless wheels :: rirue 
Roll :-Ti:: with us all ~'ii: e'er betiie. 

We shont a welcome to the coming year, 

Aui ere tie sruui his iiei uu:z the ai: 
The past alone can echo back the cheer, 

Aui mem-try ;-lv car the reccri k ear. 

The old year '98 has hnrried by — 

Been swallowed in the vortex of the past ; 

May only pleasures in onr memories lie. 
Forget be all that did cur shies : eicasf 

Aui is ~e greet the Xe~ Year -r. 

May Hire mahe tright :: is the future .r 
j 1 .- ;i~2:i sreerl ^e xith tie fight :: ritue. 

If ay brightest hopes be realized as true. 

And as the sun in photographic art, 

Triususes true the image :i its fight 
So may God's sunshine filling every heart 

Hath mtmeu: :: :hr :i::r year m ahe bright 

May :uly rleasaut airfares re irurres-ei 
Vion the heart in all the coming year; 

Mi~ ill tie hcurs thit c:me aaa g: re blessea 
And every moment as it comes bring cheer. 

50 



•IAN! 



1912 



One copy del. to Cat. Div. 



JAW 8 W2 



